Basel Convention

ISRAEL

Status of Ratification/Accession/Acceptance/Approval:	04.12.1994 (r)
Ratification/Acceptance of the Amendment to the Basel Convention:	Not yet as of 20.11.2002

Competent Authority	Focal Point
Head, Hazardous Substances Division Ministry of the Environment P.O. Box 33043, Jerusalem 91340 tel: [phone] fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]	Same as the Competent Authority

National Definition

Materials should be discarded in compliance with the decisions of the General Director of the Ministry of the Environment. National definition of hazardous wastes for the purpose of transboundary movements is as defined in the Hazardous Substances Law or by the Basel Convention. There are no wastes defined as, or considered to be hazardous wastes by national legislation in accordance with Art. 1, para 1(b) of the Basel Convention. In Israel there are no wastes other than those pursuant to Art. 1 (1)a and/or Art. 1 (1)b of the Basel Convention that require special consideration when subjected to transboundary movement.

Data* on the Generation and Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes** and Other Wastes*** in 2000 (as reported)

		Quantities (in metric tonnes)
Generation	Total amount of hazardous wastesgenerated	279 987 ^1)
	Total amount of other wastesgenerated	No data
Transboundary Movement	Total amount of hazardous wastesand other wastesexported	9 030 ^2)
	Total amount of hazardous wastesand other wastesimported	5 794 ^3)

* Figures are rounded to the nearest integer.

** Covers wastes under Art. 1 (1)a (Annex I: Y1-Y45) and Art. 1 (1)b.

*** Covers wastes under (Annex II: Y46-Y47).

1) Total amount of hazardous wastes generated under Art. 1 (1)a (Annex I: Y1-Y45).

2) Figure refers to the total amount of hazardous wastes exported under Art. 1 (1)a (Annex I; Y1-Y45).

3) Figure refers to the total amount of hazardous wastes imported under Art. 1 (1)a (Annex I: Y1-Y45).

Restrictions on Transboundary Movement	Amendment to the Basel Convention The amendment to the Basel Convention (Decision III/1) is not ratified, however, it is being implemented fully.
	Restrictions on export for final disposal Israel restricts the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal. The relevant legislation is the Hazardous Substances Regulations (Export and Import of Hazardous Waste), 1994, which prohibits the import and export of hazardous waste for disposal. The restriction covers all hazardous wastes.
	Restriction on export for recovery Israel restricts the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for recovery. The relevant legislation is the Hazardous Substances Regulations (Export and Import Of Hazardous Waste), 1994. These regulations call for a permit to export waste for recovery. The permit may specify requirements and restrictions. Exports are permitted to OECD/EC countries, which are Parties to the Convention. The restriction covers all hazardous wastes.
	Restrictions on import for final disposal Israel restricts the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal. The relevant legislation is the Hazardous Substances Regulations (Export and Import of Hazardous Waste), 1994, which prohibits the import and export of hazardous waste for disposal. The restriction covers all hazardous wastes.
	Restrictions on import for recovery Israel restricts the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for recovery. The relevant legislation is the Hazardous Substances Regulations (Export and Import of Hazardous Waste), 1994. These regulations call for a permit to import waste for recovery. The permit may specify requirements and restrictions. Imports are permitted from developing countries, which are Parties to the Convention. The restriction covers all hazardous wastes. Israel approves the import of hazardous wastes for recycling only from non-OECD countries which are Parties to the Convention.
	Restrictions on transit Israel has no restrictions on the transit of hazardous wastes and other wastes.

Reduction and/or Elimination of Hazardous Waste Generation	National strategies/policies A policy for waste reduction was adopted. More permits were issued for recycling and reuse of hazardous waste. The Ministry of the Environment encourages reduction, recycling and reuse of hazardous waste.
	Legislation, regulations and guidelines In preparation.
	Economic instruments/ initiatives The Ministry of the Environment funded up to 40% of the cost for industry (facilities) that invested in hazardous waste reduction.

Transboundary Movement Reduction Measures	National strategies/policies The policy adopted for hazardous waste reduction is relevant here as well. Some processes were approved by the Ministry for the treatment and/or recycling of hazardous wastes.
	Legislation, regulations and guidelines In preparation.
	Economic instruments/ initiatives Fund was given for the pilot development of waste treatment for solid peroxides and oxidants.
	Measures taken by industries/waste generators A technology was developed for the recycling of lithium batteries in Israel.

Disposal/ Recovery Facilities

Disposal facilities Environmental Services Company Ltd., Ramat Hovav P.O.B. 5743, Beer-Sheva 84156; tel.: [phone]; website: www.enviro-services.co.il; e-mail: [e-mail], treatment of hazardous wastes by best available technology (D1, D4, D5, D9, D14, D15); Ecosol, Ramat Hovav, incinerator for hazardous wastes (D10, D13, D14, D15); and Lapidot, Helez, deep well injection (used caustic soda from oil refineries) (D3). Recovery/recycling/re-use facilities Some of the available facilities are: Liran, Rishon Letzion, solvent reclamation (R2); Petrochim, Ashdod, solvent reclamation (R2); Teva Factories (Pharmaceutics), solvent reclamation (R2); M.T.A. Recycling Technologies, Jerusalem, solvent reclamation (R2); and Tabib, Petah Tikva, Ammoniacal copper recycling (R4) and column regeneration. There 23 facilities in the country. A complete list could be obtained from the Competent Authority.

Bilateral, Multilateral or Regional Agreements

None.

Technical Assistance and Training Available

The available sources are: Hazardous Materials Training Center (MOE); Ministry of Labor (Safety & Hygiene Institution); Hebrew University, Jerusalem; Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva; Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa Hazardous Materials Division (MOE); and Hydrological Service (Water Governorship)

Basel Convention

Country Fact Sheet